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Considering rebuild of my G10 engine
Topic Started: Dec 9 2013, 02:42 AM (3,258 Views)
omniminded


My mechanic friend John used to have a 5-speed Honda hatchback that he had done substantial work on. His focus was entirely on performance and he drove it hard, but due to the improvements he made, was getting over 50 mpg while driving like a bat out of hell.

It still seems counter intuitive to me that he was getting improved fuel economy by making performance enhancements, but he was.

While I'd love to see my Geo struggle less going up hills, and for it to have better acceleration, I bought it for pure MPGs.

The purpose of this thread is to explore options for rebuilding my g10 engine. I want to plan out as much in advance as possible.

There is Geo Glenn's list of favorite parts to follow, and there will be parts to be sourced. The sourcing options I presently know are possibilities are Geo Glenn, 3Tech, and new Suzuki parts direct from www.amayama.com in Japan.

Where else should I explore sourcing parts from?
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Coche Blanco
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Troll Certified

Rebuild it into spec, balance the rotating assembly, use quality parts, run quality oil, install an XFi cam (or whatever cam you think will make it run the best) and enjoy 45+ mpg without trying.

As far as 50mpg from a performance modded Civic hatch? :bs
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rmcelwee
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I won't say your friend is a liar, I'll just say it is amazing how many people do not know how to figure out what their real MPG is. You are correct in thinking that there was no way he got 50+ MPGs driving a Civic like a bat out of hell.

As far as parts, I think the sources you listed would be fine.

Tons of pages on how to do it but you can look at mine here:

http://www.lightweightmiata.com/geo/engine/

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evintho


I just rebuilt my G10 using all of GeoGlenn's favorite parts. My sourcing options were, GeoGlenn hisself, NAPA, RockAuto and Autozone. The only part I sourced from the dealer was the hard to find oil pump metal gasket.
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Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

You could bring it to my garage (see sig) and it will still be cheaper than all the alternatives unless you do it yourself and are successful.
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omniminded


Johnny Mullet
Dec 10 2013, 10:19 PM
You could bring it to my garage (see sig) and it will still be cheaper than all the alternatives unless you do it yourself and are successful.
If we lived closer, but the math of a round trip doesn't bode well. 920 miles one way, 1840 round trip, between 32 and 38 current mpg, gas between $3.05 and $3.55 per gallon according to Gas Buddy, that comes to between $175 and $200 on gas alone. And the last thing I want to do on a questionable engine is travel 920 miles from home and risk getting stranded.
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omniminded


Coche Blanco
Dec 9 2013, 02:48 AM
balance the rotating assembly
Could someone either explain this or point me to reading material that explains it? I have no idea what it means to "balance the rotating assembly". Thanks.
Edited by omniminded, Dec 11 2013, 03:57 AM.
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Mythstae
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omniminded
Dec 11 2013, 03:55 AM
Coche Blanco
Dec 9 2013, 02:48 AM
balance the rotating assembly
Could someone either explain this or point me to reading material that explains it? I have no idea what it means to "balance the rotating assembly". Thanks.
Put the slightly heavier piston on the slightly lighter rod, etc.
Try and get each piston/connecting rod/piston pin/bearing assembly to weigh as close to the others as you can.
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omniminded


Mythstae
Dec 11 2013, 04:06 AM
omniminded
Dec 11 2013, 03:55 AM
Coche Blanco
Dec 9 2013, 02:48 AM
balance the rotating assembly
Could someone either explain this or point me to reading material that explains it? I have no idea what it means to "balance the rotating assembly". Thanks.
Put the slightly heavier piston on the slightly lighter rod, etc.
Try and get each piston/connecting rod/piston pin/bearing assembly to weigh as close to the others as you can.
Ah, got it. :thumb

The moving parts in each of the 3 cylinders should weigh the same. :D

Thanks!
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Deleted User
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Get one of these. Balanced and blueprinted. Put it in and drive.

Or, drive it to Johnny Mullet for a quick and dirty overhaul.

But, do you really need an engine overhaul? Lots of guys think they need an overhauled engine, and they really don't.

If it's not broke, don't fix it. :deal

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omniminded


Geo Glenn
Dec 11 2013, 05:29 AM
If it's not broke, don't fix it.
But mine IS broke. That's already been determined. I'm debating swap or rebuild, and if rebuild, to what degree and for how much money.
Edited by omniminded, Dec 11 2013, 10:24 AM.
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Metromightymouse
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Powdercoat Wizard

omniminded
Dec 11 2013, 03:51 AM
Johnny Mullet
Dec 10 2013, 10:19 PM
You could bring it to my garage (see sig) and it will still be cheaper than all the alternatives unless you do it yourself and are successful.
If we lived closer, but the math of a round trip doesn't bode well. 920 miles one way, 1840 round trip, between 32 and 38 current mpg, gas between $3.05 and $3.55 per gallon according to Gas Buddy, that comes to between $175 and $200 on gas alone. And the last thing I want to do on a questionable engine is travel 920 miles from home and risk getting stranded.
Even considering the math I would suggest giving this some serious thought along with the other options.
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geogonfa
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I have had great success rebuilding it both ways, complete, and quick /cheap...as long as you use good parts. Most of the time, the Metro owners I work with are just getting by and can't afford much...I give them the options and explain to them that best way is like Geo Glen's...usually they help with the rebuild so they can learn about their little cars and can do regular maintenance themselves...
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truckjohn


While you are looking at options - consider a JDM engine... Many low miles engines can be had in the $500-$700 range....

Rebuild wise.... While the Parts may cost less... The Labor certainly doesn't....
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davegran
Old Fart w/Wrenches

evintho
Dec 10 2013, 08:17 PM
....GeoGlenn hisself....
Ohh, that reminds me of "Honest Charlie hisself" for those of you who's memories go back more than five decades....

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